Edmonton – Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending the timing of the Alberta Next report release, despite criticism that it was intentionally buried before the Christmas holidays. The report, from a panel hand-picked by Smith, recommends significant changes to Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa.

Key Recommendations of the Alberta Next Report

The Alberta Next panel’s report suggests the province should consider several major shifts. These include replacing the RCMP with a provincial police force and holding a referendum on withdrawing from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).

The report emphasizes the need for Albertans to be well-informed before any vote on a provincial pension plan. It stipulates that an Alberta plan must match or improve upon the benefits of the federal system.

“Replacing the CPP with an (Alberta plan) is the most financially meaningful initiative Albertans have the right to pursue on our own to enhance our sovereignty and financial independence within a united Canada,” the report states.

Smith Responds to ‘News Dump’ Accusations

The report was released on a Friday afternoon without a press conference, leading to accusations that the government was trying to bury it. Smith addressed these concerns on her radio program, Your Province. Your Premier.

“Well, here we are talking about it,” Smith said, defending the report’s release. She highlighted the extensive public engagement that informed the report.

• 22,000 people issued comments
• 800,000 people watched the panels online
• 5,000 people participated in person across 10 communities

NDP Leader Nenshi Criticizes the Report

Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has strongly criticized the Alberta Next project. He called it a “sham consultation” designed to distract from the government’s failures in health care and education.

“The government has spent millions of taxpayer dollars on a sham consultation, where they actively silenced anyone who dared to disagree with them,” Nenshi told The Canadian Press.

Nenshi also accused the government of using the CPP issue to create a government-controlled fund.

“They want to create a large asset fund that is under the control of the government to invest in things the government wants to invest in,” Nenshi said.

Report Addresses Rural Policing Concerns

The Alberta Next report also touches on the possibility of replacing the RCMP with a provincial police force by 2032. The panel cited concerns about police staffing levels, particularly in rural areas.

The report stated that some communities are paying for RCMP services without receiving adequate coverage. “Some, like Cypress County, have been paying the RCMP with zero officers provided,” the report noted.

Other Recommendations

The panel also suggested referendums on increased provincial control over immigration. Also, referendums on specific constitutional questions, such as abolishing the Senate, were suggested.

Analyst Weighs In

Mount Royal University political scientist Lori Williams believes the report’s findings may not align with Smith’s expectations. Williams noted the timing of the release suggests an attempt to minimize scrutiny.

Why This Matters

The Alberta Next report has the potential to reshape Alberta’s relationship with Canada. The recommendations regarding the CPP and the RCMP are particularly significant and could have far-reaching economic and social consequences. The debate surrounding the report’s findings and the process by which they were reached highlights deep divisions within Alberta regarding its future within the Canadian federation. The next steps taken by the government in 2026 will be crucial in determining the province’s direction.